BANGKOK - The chief military adviser to Thailand's anti-government protesters was injured in the head after an explosion and bursts of automatic gunfire were heard near the city's business district on Thursday night.

Khattiya Sawasdipol, a suspended army specialist in charge of security at an encampment occupied by thousands of "red shirt" demonstrators, was admitted to an intensive care ward after being shot in the head, the state Narenthorn Emergency Medical Service and medical sources said.

Major General Khattiya, 59, was struck in the head by a bullet during an interview with a New York Times reporter, the newspaper said. The Associated Press reached an unidentified aide to the general who described his wound as "severe."